there are $300 billion in cuts in mandatory government programs and another $300 billion in cuts to agency budgets and discretionary spending. the speaker's office sent a letter outlining the plan saying new revenue would be generated through pro-growth tax reform that closes special interest loopholes and deductions while lowering rates. oh boy. it's the mitt romney plan again. the offer letter actually described the proposal as the bowles plan. republicans say the plan is based on the outline for the debt commission co-chair. the approach outlined in the letter speaker boehner sent to the president does not represent the simpson-bowles plan nor is it the bowles plan. the white house also rejected the offer in a statement today. the republican letter released today does not meet the test of balance. in fact, it actually promises to lower rates for the wealthiest americans and sticks the middle class with the bill. their plan includes nothing new and provides no details on which e deductions they would eliminate, which loopholes they would close or which medicare savings they would achieve